Australian Attitudes towards Money and Relationships

To better understand how our romantic and financial lives intersect, Greater Bank commissioned a survey of over 1,500 Australian adults; asking a series of questions around their attitudes towards money in the context of romantic relationships. Topics included dating, banking, marriage and children. Here, we’ve summarised some of the more revealing findings.

Think about this for a moment...

In the last 15 years or so, the gender pay gap has actually increased overall from 14.9% difference in 2004, to a difference of 15.3% in 2017*. Juxtapose this with the fact that the iGeneration (18-24 year olds in 2018) are set to become the first generation with more female breadwinners than male. In a time of large-scale cultural upheaval and change, is the flux of our times reflected in the way we interact with finances, relationships and cultural customs?

First Dates

Women were recorded as being three times less likely to date someone who earns less than them. However, iGen found this less of a deterring factor than other generations.

Women were recorded as being three times less likely to date someone who earns less than them. However, iGen found this less of a deterring factor than other generations.

Paying the bill

That awkward grab for the bill can be daunting for some, but it can be simple for others. When paying for dates, men were recorded as being 6X more likely to pay the bill. However, 49% of those surveyed preferred to go Dutch by splitting costs.

That awkward grab for the bill can be daunting for some, but it can be simple for others. When paying for dates, men were recorded as being 6X more likely to pay the bill. However, 49% of those surveyed preferred to go Dutch by splitting costs.

Gifts and spend

As relationships develop between couples over time, we found a decrease in the amount that people spend on their partner for Birthdays, Anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.

As time passes, however, couples are more likely to share lottery winnings.

Relationships, marriage and banking

Combining finances

Interestingly, we found couples who keep some of their finances together and some separate were less likely to say that money causes tension in their relationship. What’s more, 45% of Australians surveyed would feel most comfortable opening a joint bank account once they are married.

Compared to men, women were less likely to say they would feel comfortable opening a joint account with a partner. In addition, they were more likely to feel that the division of expenses is unfair, and say that money frequently causes tension in their relationship.

Separation, divorce & finances

Financial tension can have a direct impact on the longevity of relationships. This was evident with 42% of people who are currently divorced or separated claiming they had experienced a relationship breakdown where finances were a contributing factor. Those who had experienced divorce were also recorded as being twice as likely to say they would never feel comfortable opening a joint bank account with a partner.

Changing times

In the light of cultural movements towards gender equality, such as Australia’s Equal Pay Day Alliance and the #metoo campaign, we can see the potential influence this has had on our results. Notably, iGen exhibit the smallest correlation in financial disparities within the context of gender. This could also explain why our results show that Australians display greater satisfaction when they’re able to maintain financial independence. However, with most Australian couples holding their finances in a joint bank account; we can also see Australians still hold true to somewhat traditional gender roles in their relationships when it comes to finances.

General advice on this website has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness. Consider the relevant disclosure documents, which include Greater Bank's Terms and Conditions for Deposit and Credit Accounts for some products, Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) for others and Greater Bank's Financial Services Guide (FSG). The Terms and Conditions for Deposit and Credit Accounts or a PDS are relevant when deciding whether to acquire or hold a product.

By accessing and viewing this site you agree to be bound by the Terms & Conditions of this website.

General advice on this website has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness. Consider the relevant disclosure documents, which include Greater Bank's Terms and Conditions for Deposit and Credit Accounts for some products, Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) for others and Greater Bank's Financial Services Guide (FSG). The Terms and Conditions for Deposit and Credit Accounts or a PDS are relevant when deciding whether to acquire or hold a product.

By accessing and viewing this site you agree to be bound by the Terms & Conditions of this website.